Watch Nightmares Come at Night
- NR
- 1970
- 1 hr 48 min
-
4.9 (702)
Nightmares Come at Night is a Spanish thriller from 1970 directed by Jesús Franco, starring Diana Lorys, Paul Muller, and Jack Taylor. The movie revolves around two women, Helen and Lucy, who come to a small town on vacation, but end up getting involved in a series of mysterious and terrifying events. Helen is a nightclub performer who has come to this quiet town with her boyfriend Bob to take some time off. Lucy, on the other hand, is a troubled woman who has recently been released from a mental institution. She is visiting the town in search of her ex-lover, who is now living there. Helen and Lucy meet each other on the train and become friends.
As soon as they arrive in the town, they notice that something is not right. Everything seems eerie and ghostly. The townspeople look taciturn and distrustful. They stay in a large, isolated house that belongs to the family of the man Lucy is looking for.
The house is haunted by the memory of the man's deceased wife, who died in a car accident. The man, who spends most of his time in the hospital, has hired a caretaker for the house, who is also his mistress. The caretaker, Elizabeth, is a mysterious and alluring woman who arouses both Helen's and Lucy's suspicions.
As the days go by, the women become more and more anxious. They hear strange noises at night, they see apparitions, and they become convinced that something terrible is going to happen. They learn that the man's wife was actually murdered, and that the killer is still on the loose.
The tension builds up until the last act, which is full of suspense and twists. The women discover the killer's identity, and they become trapped in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse.
Nightmares Come at Night is a stylish and atmospheric movie, shot in glorious black and white. It has all the trademarks of Jesús Franco's style: a gloomy setting, a haunting soundtrack, and a surrealistic edge. The movie creates an eerie atmosphere of paranoia and fear, and it keeps the audience guessing until the end.
Diana Lorys delivers a great performance as Helen, a woman who is not easily intimidated, but who is nevertheless frightened by the events that unfold around her. Paul Muller is convincing as the man who is haunted by his past, and who is willing to pay any price to bury his secrets. Jack Taylor is excellent in his role as the menacing and mysterious figure who keeps popping up at the most unexpected moments.
Nightmares Come at Night is not a movie for everyone. Its slow pace, its dreamlike quality, and its unusual narrative style may put off some viewers. However, if you are a fan of psychological thrillers, you will find it a rewarding experience. It is a movie that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche, and that delves into the depths of fear and obsession.